Do it for Peace, End the Violence!

 

    In the Philippines, almost 17.5% of Filipino women aged 15-49 have experienced any form of physical, sexual, and emotional violence from their intimate partners, and almost total of 116,903 persons had reported violence against women from the year 2016 up to the present. A percentage that matters, needs an action while it’s early. Violence Against Women (VAW) refers to any act of gender-based violence that results in or is likely to result in physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women. It usually comes from unequal power relations between men and women and includes a wide range of negative acts that impact upon women's freedoms and rights. Violence against women is a serious global issue that affects women of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures. It can occur in both public and private spheres, often leading to long-term physical, emotional, and social consequences for the victims.

    The Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004 is “any act or a series of acts committed by any person against a woman who is his wife, former wife, or against a woman with whom the person has or had a sexual or dating relationship, or with whom he has a common child, or against her child whether legitimate or illegitimate, with or without the family abode, which result in or is likely to result in physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering, or economic abuse including threats of such acts, battery, assault, coercion, harassment or arbitrary deprivation of liberty.”, coming from the article of Philippine Commission on Women. According to the law, the injured person may file a criminal action or seek a Protection Order as a separate action or as part of a civil or criminal action, among other remedies. Understanding the role of this role to the women shows how it protects women against any violence they encounter. The approval of this law was really important because this law will assist victims, law enforcement, prosecutors, and the court in punishing violators and abusers who use social media and electronic communication platforms to inflict psychological violence against women and children through stalking, harassment, intimidation, public humiliation, repeated verbal abuse, and infidelity in the marriage. It is to protect the rights and freedom of women to live in this world without any fear.

    The 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women is an annual observance that aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence and mobilize support for women’s rights. The campaign runs from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 12 (International Human Rights Day). The campaign's primary goal is to foster a society free from violence, and the implementation of R.A. 9262 plays a central role in achieving this goal. The observance of this campaign encourages women and children who are suffering from violence to come forward and seek help. It promotes the understanding that there are legal measures in place—like the VAWC Act—that can provide them with protection and recourse. The visibility of the campaign reassures victims that they are not alone and that there is a system in place to support them.

    Among the VAW-related laws, this blog will compromise of 2 law related too the law and giving it a further explanation of what the law is all about. First of all, the RA 11313 (Safe Spaces Act) in 2019, the Safe areas Act (RA 11313) is an important law in the Philippines that seeks to build an environment in which individuals, particularly women and marginalized groups, are protected against sexual harassment in public and private areas. The law takes a comprehensive strategy to combating gender-based violence and promoting respect and dignity for all parts of society by punishing various forms of harassment and requiring the implementation of preventive measures. While its proper implementation requires regular training, campaigning, and effective enforcement, RA 11313 is a critical step toward creating a safer and more inclusive society for everyone.

    In response to increasing concerns about the growing incidence of rape and other sexual violence, RA 11648 seeks to improve victim protections, broaden the definition of rape, and offer stronger legal remedies to combat this serious offense. Republic Act No. 11648, which extends the Philippines Anti-Rape Law of 1997, is a positive step in strengthening the nation's legal safeguards against sexual assault. This law focuses on three main areas: developing victim services, strengthening punishments, and broadening the definition. However, the Act is not only an attempt to improve justice for injured survivors; it also aims to alter long-held beliefs and make it plain that sexual violence.

 

    The Philippines's legal and societal framework for preventing gender-based violence is established by the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act of 2004 (R.A. 9262). In the continuous struggle to shield women and children from abuse, it is an effective weapon. This law receives more attention during the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, as groups and communities come together to fight for better protections and support networks, empower victims, and increase awareness. The campaign and the VAWC Act work together to create a society free from discrimination and violence against women and children.

References: 
-https://pcw.gov.ph/violence-against-women/
-https://digitalfreedom.ph/a-summary-on-expanded-violence-against-women-and-children/
-https://philippinelawfirm.com/other/understanding-the-safe-spaces-or-the-bawal-bastos-law/#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20Safe%20Spaces,individuals%2C%20regardless%20of%20their%20gender.

Picture References: 
-https://www.freepik.com/premium-photo/one-female-protecting-herself-with-hand-help-word-written-home-family-relationship-difficulties-concept-husband-harassment-wife-violence-victim-sexual-abuse-dark-background-copy-space_40311473.htm
-https://www.freepik.com/premium-vector/stop-violence-against-women-poster-vector_20015559.htm
-https://kongra-star.org/eng/2022/05/09/social-justice-based-on-womens-freedom/